What is Green Cardamom? What are the Health Benefits, Uses and Side Effects of Cardamom?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Cardamom botanical name is Elettaria cardamomum, some other common names are Elaichi, Green cardamom, Chhoti Elaichi. It is indigenous to South India, it grows wild in the rich forest of Mysore, Coorg, Wynaad, Travancore, and Cochin.

It is the “Queen of the Spices”, second only to black pepper, the “King of Spices”. It is one of the most valued spices in the world.

Morphology of Cardamom Plant

Cardamon grows as a perennial herb with thick, fleshy rhizomes or underground stems shooting leafy roots and with leafy stems. It has large leaves, white or pale green flowers, many-seeded pale green to yellow fruits, and triangular brownish-black seeds.

The dried fruits of the plant constitute the drug, they have a pleasant aroma with a characteristic, slightly pungent taste and leave a warm feeling in the mouth. It is the seeds inside the fruit which produce the warm sensation.

Chemical Composition & Nutritional Value

Cardamoms are mentioned by Theophrastus in the fourth century BC and five centuries later by Dioscorides. By 1000 AD, they were an article of trade from India westwards.

Chemical Composition

The seeds contain volatile oil, the principal constituents of the volatile oil are cineol, terpineol, terpinene, limonene, sabinene, and terpineol in the form of formic and acetic acids.

Nutritional Value

An analysis of cardamom shows that it has carbohydrates, moisture, protein, ether extract, volatile oil, crude fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

Types of Cardamom

There are two types of cardamom, black, and green which are mainly used in culinary and in medicinal uses. Green cardamom is found most often in Nordic and Middle Eastern cuisine, while recipes in India and Asia will often specify whether green or black cardamom is used.

Black cardamom seeds are big compared to green cardamom, it is mainly used in making garam masala, curries, and rice preparation.

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2. Ayurvedic properties of Green Cardamom

Green cardamom, known as "Ela" or "Elaichi" in Ayurveda, is a fragrant spice widely used in both culinary and traditional medicine practices.

Ayurvedic properties of green cardamom:

1. Rasa (Taste): Green cardamom is believed to have a combination of sweet (Madhura) and pungent (Katu) tastes.

2. Virya (Potency): It is heating in nature (Ushna Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is sweet (Madhura Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Green cardamom is generally considered balancing for all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—when used in moderation.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Digestive Health: Green cardamom is known to support healthy digestion by enhancing appetite, reducing bloating, and relieving indigestion.

2. Respiratory Health: It is used to manage respiratory conditions like cough, bronchitis, and congestion due to its expectorant properties.

3. Oral Health: Chewing on green cardamom pods is a traditional practice for freshening breath and promoting oral hygiene.

4. Antioxidant: Green cardamom contains antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

5. Detoxification: It supports detoxification by promoting healthy digestion and elimination.

6. Aphrodisiac: In Ayurveda, green cardamom is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and is sometimes used to support sexual health.

7. Mental Clarity: The aroma of cardamom is said to have a refreshing effect on the mind, promoting mental clarity and relaxation.

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3. Health Benefits and Uses of Cardamom

Cardamom has many health benefits and therapeutic properties due to its volatile oil; tinctures of cardamom are mostly used in medicines to relieve flatulence and strengthen digestion activities.

Here are some health benefits and uses

Bad Breath

The aromatic flavor in cardamom is a breath freshener, a few seeds chewed for a brief period remove any foul smell.

Depression

Powdered seeds of cardamom boiled with tea give a very pleasing aroma to the tea, this tea is also beneficial and used for treating depression.

Digestive Disorders

Cardamom reduces the air and water elements, increases appetite, and soothes the mucous membrane. It relieves gas and heartburn caused by garlic and onion.

Ground cardamom seeds mixed with ginger, cloves, and coriander is an effective remedy for indigestion. Cardamom tea is also beneficial in headaches caused by indigestion.

Impotence

The herb is useful in sexual dysfunctions like impotency and premature ejaculation, a pinch of powdered cardamom seeds boiled in milk and sweetened with honey is taken every night to yield excellent results. Excessive use of cardamom at times may lead to impotence.

Genito-Urinary Disorders

Powdered seeds mixed with a tbsp. of banana leaf and amla juice is taken thrice a day, help as a diuretic for the treatment of gonorrhea, cystitis, nephritis, burning micturition or urination, and scanty urination.

Oral Disorders

Gargling with an infusion of cardamom and cinnamon cures pharyngitis, sore throat, relaxes uvula, or the fleshy conical portion at the back of the tongue, and hoarseness during the infective stages of influenza. Its daily gargle protects one from the flu.

Hiccups

An infusion made by boiling a couple of pounded cardamom in a cup of water along with 5 mint leaves is useful in relieving hiccups.

Other Uses & Benefits

In India, cardamom is used as a masticatory and is often included in paan-supari, It is used for flavoring curries, cakes bread, and for other culinary purposes like flavoring coffee, and confectionery, dessert, and curries.

The essential oil of cardamom is used for pharmaceutical purposes, perfumery, flavoring liqueurs, and bitters, in preparation of tincture, and as a stimulant.

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4. Side Effects and Precautions of Cardamom

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’t have any side effects, but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have unique health issues.

Here are some side effects of Cardamom

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take Cardamom without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• Do not take Cardamom if you are suffering from any kind of critical disease.
• If you are on diabetes or hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Cardamom.
• If you are above 65 years old and want to start Cardamom, consult the doctor, and talk about your health conditions.
• If you are on any supplements, vitamins, or herbal medication, consult the doctor before taking Cardamom.
• Cardamom may interact with other medicines like blood sugar or blood pressure allopathy medicines.

Note: This post is about educating the benefits and uses of Cardamom, consult the Ayurvedic doctor before starting.

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